Preparing your workplace
Preparing your workplace
Have a think about the layout of your working area. Do you need to make some changes to your workspace to prepare for your dog joining you? To help you prepare, below are some questions to ask yourself and things to consider before bringing your dog in.
Where will your dog settle?
Your dog needs to have somewhere quiet but close to your work area to settle down and get comfortable. Make sure you have enough space for them to have a bed or comfy blanket to lay on during the day.
Do you have space for bed, water bowl, enrichment?
Ensure your set up has enough space for your pup’s enrichment, food and water where it won’t be a trip hazard to your colleagues and won’t be too tempting for other dogs who might share the office space?
Is their settle area away from busy spaces?
If your usual workspace is close to a busy area with lots of people walking past, consider moving to a quieter area such as in a corner or close to a wall. Make sure the space is as non-slippery as possible. If you’re lucky enough to work in an office with a shiny new floor consider bringing in a non-slip mat for your dog.
Is the area hazard-free?
Next, think about what other hazards there might be in the area. Are there cables they could chew, bins they could raid, or toxic plants they could nibble? Are your colleagues’ bags stored away safely? If you or any of your colleagues take any medications, even over-the-counter medications such as ibroprofen, make sure they are securely stored where your pup can’t get to them.
Have you checked for temptations?
Your dog’s settle area should ideally not be close to places people might prepare food, such as a communal kitchen. Where do your colleagues store their lunches and snacks throughout the day? Might your dog be tempted to go digging in a colleague's backpack for that bar of afternoon pick-me-up chocolate that they’ve hidden in there? If any of your colleagues run or cycle to work and change when they arrive, make sure your dog can’t find their sweaty socks as that might be embarrassing for all involved (except your dog, they will probably be delighted with their trophy).
Likewise, any bins should have secured lids. The last thing you want is for your dog to dive in after someone’s chicken satay skewer. This could lead to a big mess in the kitchen and, much worse, pose a big injury risk for your dog!
